Restaurant Guide: 25 Reasons to Eat Breakfast

BIG ISLAND

Photo: Kirk Lee Aeder

Hawaiian Style Cafe

We heard Hawaiian Style Cafe portions were huge, but in person “Da Tita Mok” was almost as intimidating as the name—a hamburger patty, two slices of Spam, chicken cutlet, a fried egg, grilled onions, fried rice and gravy. Stand-in-line popular and no-frills, this café is as comfortable as your favorite uncle’s kitchen. Southern transplants will be shocked to see biscuits and gravy just like Gramma’s, only super-size. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sundays till noon. 64-1290 Kawaihae Road, Kamuela, (808) 885-4295.

Kawaihae Harbor Grill

Chef Darcy Ambrosio and Kawaihae Harbor Grill have a reputation for ultra-fresh fish and seafood at other times of the day. But at breakfast with the girls, we discover a softer side: “Orange Blossom French Toast,” a sensuous set of thick Punaluu-style sweetbread slices, soaked in egg batter and stuffed with orange zest-cream cheese, a perfect choice with mimosas. Open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. 61-3462 Kawaihae Road, Kamuela, (808) 882-1368.

Ken's House of Pancakes

On the Hilo side, landmark Ken’s House of Pancakes deserves its own red alii marker. Open 24/7, Ken’s has authentic leatherette booths, a lovingly worn counter and spinny stools, a celebrity photo wall and a mega-menu—with surprisingly good heart-healthy, sugar-free and meatless options. Carnivores go for “Sumo Moco,” with three eggs, six scoops rice and gravy over either four Spam slabs, a 5-ounce beef patty or 6-ounce mahi, served with big bell ringing and staff bellowing “Sumo!” Open 24 hours a day. 1730 Kamehameha Ave. (808) 935-8711.